Is Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What amenities are available at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp?

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp?

Popular activities at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

4.05

20 reviews

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Top 6% in MISpring

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Michigan

Quick Facts

1,056 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,056 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Overnight fees ($20 for most sites) and registration procedures are posted at the information kiosk at each campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Michigan

Provider

(231) 775-7911

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

44.4830, -85.3212

Nearby places

Fife Lake area and the broader Traverse City region mentioned as nearby areas (distances not specified in sources).

Weather at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Summer brings the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-70s to low-80s, nights in the 50s and 60s. Water levels in Hopkins Creek are ideal for fishing, especially early morning and late evening. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is fully accessible, and horseback riding through the forest canopy is at its best. Expect moderate weekend use from local riders and anglers, but quieter overall compared to developed campgrounds.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 6% in MI

Spring water levels noted as ideal for fishing; trails open though conditions may be wet/muddy.

Planning Tips

About Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground sits in the heart of Manistee State Forest, offering 23 rustic sites split between horse campers and those on foot. The campground connects directly to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and runs alongside Hopkins Creek, a clear trout stream. First-come, first-served. Vault toilets and potable water. No hookups.

Two linked state forest camp areas: an equestrian loop (~16 sites) with picket posts/corrals and a smaller non-equestrian state forest campground (~7 sites). The campground is classified as rustic.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most comfortable conditions. Daytime highs typically sit in the mid-70s to low-80s, nights in the 50s and 60s. Water levels in Hopkins Creek are ideal for fishing, especially early morning and late evening. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is fully accessible, and horseback riding through the forest canopy is at its best. Expect moderate weekend use from local riders and anglers, but quieter overall compared to developed campgrounds.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens and mature hardwoods create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, wrapping the campground in cool, dappled shade. Hopkins Creek winds past camp. A cold, clear stream where trout hold between rocks and anglers wade early mornings. The Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail runs directly alongside the campground, opening mile after mile of backcountry forest. At 1,056 feet elevation, the setting feels remote and densely wooded. Reviewers describe it as secluded and peaceful, the kind of place where weekend use stays moderate and solitude comes easy.

Geological RegionManistee State Forest (campground described as in the heart of Manistee State Forest; adjacent references to Pere Marquette State Forest in some sources).

Scenic ViewsHeavily wooded, creek-side settings with views dominated by tall evergreens and mixed hardwoods; secluded forest interior rather than open vistas.

Best Campsites

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Tents

Tents are allowed

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RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

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Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsMIDNRReservations.com

Total Campsites23 campsites

Best CampsitesThe campground splits into two areas: roughly 16 equestrian sites at the front with picket posts and corrals, and about 7 non-equestrian sites farther back. Horse campers need the front section for stock accommodations. Sites toward the rear offer more solitude. Creek-side sites appeal to anglers who want quick access to Hopkins Creek.

Amenities available

Featuring 16 individual sites and a group area accommodating up to 108 people, the campground caters to tents and small trailers. A submersible pump is available, requiring a 5,000-watt generator. There are vault toilets. Potable (drinking) water is available from a hand-pump well. No electrical available.

Potable water

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Equestrian-focused, rustic campground with direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail and creek-side trout fishing. The site also provides access to surrounding state forest lands that are open to hunting.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh-water safety near the creek/river is noted. The campground is remote (long forest-road drives) which can affect emergency response and access; sources advise planning accordingly. Cell coverage is not documented and visitors are advised to plan as if service may be unreliable.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

20 reviews

Satisfactory

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are predominantly positive, highlighting the campground's seclusion, natural beauty, and suitability for horse campers. Many reviewers describe it as peaceful, tranquil, and remote.

Review Summaries

Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Secluded, densely wooded setting; direct access to Shore-to-Shore trail; creek-side trout fishing; quiet and low-use atmosphere favored by visitors and equestrians.

Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive prepared with supplies; expect first-come, first-served rustic camping. Horse campers should bring appropriate containment and manure management supplies; anglers should bring stream fishing...

Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

Loved it; The place to stay if you want to be nowhere!; Beautiful place to camp and ride your horse.; Absolutely Love this peaceful, tranquil camp; Stayed 2 times and I absolutely love the secluded...

Based on 20 reviews

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Go if

Horse campers who need Shore-to-Shore Trail access will find this one of the better-positioned spots in the forest. Trout anglers get a clear creek right at camp, and the low weekend crowds reviewers describe make it worth the long forest-road drive in.

Skip if

No hookups, no showers, vault toilets only, and a remote location that reviewers flag as a real drive. If cell signal is a comfort requirement or you're pulling a large RV expecting amenities, this place will frustrate before you even unhitch.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.1

(20)

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground

Hopkins Creek State Forest Campground sits along Hopkins Creek in Missaukee County's state forest, offering seven primitive sites beneath tall evergreens. The campground draws trout anglers and Shore-to-Shore Trail users looking for a quiet, backcountry feel. Amenities are basic: vault toilets and a hand pump for potable water.

Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Ask Camp Sage about Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Campground Map

Weather at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Planning Tips

About Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

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Skip if

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Ask Camp Sage about Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Best Time to Camp at Hopkins Creek Equestrian State Forest Campground And Trail Camp

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love